Is Hip-Hop Being Irresponsible?
 

Does anyone else think that it is irresponsible to sing or rap about certain subjects?

I was listening to a hip-hop radio show today. The hosts are normally quite socially aware and on point, but they proceeded to give praise to a new artist based on his song being a "banger," yet completely disregarding the fact that nearly every line was referencing "sipping on sizzurp" or "smokin' trees." After multiple notable deaths in the rap community (DJ Screw, Big Moe, Pimp C, etc.) which were related to or directly caused by the recreational use of prescription cough medicine, one would think that the hip-hop world would become more aware of the dangers of such irresponsible promotion.

It is by no means lost on me that many rappers also reference other drug use ("pushing weight," "popping pills," etc), as well as violence, guns and gang life. Many of my favorite rappers are guilty of this, so in a way I am perpetuating the cycle myself.

I think it would behove many rappers (and musicians in general) to think about the impact that their music may have on their listeners.

who are you, my mom?

That's why I don't listen to rappers like Vinnie Paz, Eminem, etc.

I'm all for free speech, don't get me wrong. I just think that we should be responsible and not abuse that right by promoting drugs, guns, violence, etc. I'm really not trying to generalize, I was more referring to the specific example of "Purple Drank" that I initially talked about. It just pissed me off to hear that type of music being so blatantly promoted by someone that I respect.

I think it's a ridiculous standard to hold artists to.

Are you going to exclude all other mediums if they promote unsafe or unhealthy activities?

When these artists rap about this certain subject matter it just makes them fall trap to a stereotype.

I think people are impressionable, but also very choosey in how they connect stuff they absorb into their life.

That's almost twisted in and of itself. :laughing:

I'm just surprised that after Pimp C died that the mainstream rap community didn't stop and take a look at the impact that Purple Drank can have. I remember when drug talk in music was more about how crack rocks would ruin your life, not about how it's cool to smoke weed and drink cough syrup.

yeah i realize that, but it's not like i can control my subconscious you know.

The advertising for drugs, especially weed is really one of the most predominant subjects in hip hop. Cypress hill was getting airplay on mtv, it's nothing new.

I'm not gonna lie, i get weirded out when i see 13 year old kids worshippin wiz khalifa. but I don't think it's going to convince them to do anything their not already comfortable with.

Hip-hip?

Hmmm. Did you mods change that, or was it a typo on my part? Reminds me of Rob Schneider's character on Big Daddy.

"Hip. Hip hop. Hip-hop-opotamus?"